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Elections Department

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1. Who can Register?

You are eligible to register and vote if you are: A) a citizen of the United States, B)a resident of Hidalgo County, C) at least 17 years and 10 months of age and you must be 18 years of age by election day, D) not declared mentally incompetent by a court of law. E) not a convicted felon, if so convicted you have: 1) fully discharged your sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, or completed a period of probation ordered by any court; or, 2) been pardoned or otherwise release from the resulting disability to vote.

2. When can I register to Vote?

You can register any time, however, you must be registered to vote 30 days before an election in which you plan to vote.

3. Where can I register to vote?

Voter registration applications are available at:

Hidalgo County Elections Department 101 S. 10th Ave, Edinburg, TX

Texas Department of Public Safety Offices (DPS)
Public Libraries
Additionally, you may obtain an application by calling the Voter Registration Office at (956)318-2570

4. How often do I have to register to vote?

You only need to register one time, however, if you have an address change or name change you will need to notify our office in writing as soon as possible.

5. Am I able to change my address or apply for VR card online?

Although you cannot apply online, you can go to (https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/sos/SOSACManager) where you can update your address information but only if you are currently registered to vote.

6. Do I need to bring my voter certificate/card? Will I be able to vote without it?

While you do not need to bring your voter registration certificate with you to vote, we highly recommend that you have it with you at the polling place. In some situations, having your voter registration certificate will allow you to vote a regular ballot instead of a provisional ballot. For example, if you do not possess one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of identification, and you cannot obtain one due to a reasonable impediment, you can use your valid voter registration certificate as a form of supporting identification when you execute your Reasonable Impediment Declaration, and vote a regular ballot. As another example, if your name does not appear on the official list of registered voters in the precinct, you may be able to cast a regular ballot by presenting your valid voter registration certificate along with an acceptable form of photo identification. In addition, for example, if you do not possess one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of identification, and you cannot obtain one due to a reasonable impediment, and your name is not on the official list of registered voters in the precinct, you may be able to cast a regular ballot by presenting your valid voter registration certificate and executing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.

Please note that you may contact your county voter registrar’s office to obtain a replacement registration certificate. You may call (956)318-2570.

7. Must a Texas Drivers License (TDL)# be provided on a VR application?

Yes, this is new legislation but other information can included in place of the TDL# (such as the last four digits of a social security number).

8. What if I move?

If you have recently moved, please provide our office with your new address as soon as possible. This process will help with the delivery of your voter registration certificate

9. How can I find out if I am registered to vote or if you have my correct address?

You can call the voter registration office at 318-2570 and they will verify your registration. If you are not registered to vote or have an incorrect address our office will mail you a voter registration application.

10. What do volunteer deputy registrars do?

A volunteer deputy registrar may accept applications for voter registration from residents of Hidalgo County who are not already registered to vote. A volunteer deputy registrar may accept change forms from registered voters who wish to change information on their voter registration certificates. A volunteer deputy registrar may hand out applications for requesting replacements for missing voter registration certificates. A volunteer deputy registrar may assist persons in filling out forms. A volunteer deputy registrar may fill out the application of change form for anyone who requests assistance if the person cannot read or has a physical disability.

11. Who may serve as a volunteer deputy registrar?

A person who is at least 18 years of age.

12. Who may NOT become a volunteer deputy registrar?

A person who has not reached the age of 18 years or a person who has been finally convicted of failing to deliver an application to the voter registrar.

13. How do I get the voter registration cancelled if my family member is deceased?

Send a letter requesting cancellation to the Voter Registration Office stating that the voter is deceased. Include the name of the voter, registration address and date of birth. Sign your name and record your relationship to the voter beside your name (i.e husband, wife, son, daughter, etc).

14. I want to speak to someone in the Republican/Democratic party or contact a particular candidate.

The phone numbers of the of parties are, Republicans: 956-803-0111 , Democrats: 956-250-4739. The candidates file with the party and therefore can provide their campaign headquarters' phone number. If those numbers do not work, dial (1411) for information as the Elections Office does not carry contact numbers for candidates.

15. I just moved into Hidalgo County but never registered to vote. This being Election Day, can I still practice my right to vote?

Are you registered in another county? When did you move? Otherwise, you can fill out a VR card to register you for the next election. A provisional ballot can also be offered but will not be counted if you are not registered.

16. How much time does a person have to respond to a supplemental letter?

A person has 10 days to respond to a supplemental letter once it has been sent out. They are sent out initially because the information was insufficient on the application.

17. I'm going on a trip to Mexico and they told me I need my voter registration card to get back. I don't have it. Can you send me one or can I come in and get it?

The voter certificate will take 2 weeks to 30 days or you can retrieve a certified copy of your records by coming to the office. We need something in writing requesting us to mail you a replacement card. If you come in, we can give you a letter certifying your voter registration for 15 cents per page. However, we can't guarantee that the custom officials will allow you to use the letter as a form of ID. Since 9/11/2001, it is no longer accepted as part of Homeland Security procedures.